QuestionHi...Have been Riding for a about a year and have a '86 Honda Shadow, 700cc...have found it necessary to work on it myself, as the "shops" around town that will work on this late of a model are terribly expensive. The Starter button has been "if-y" lately, but today it quit completely. I still have power to headlights, turn signals, etc...Even tried pulling the starter button out of my 250 rebel but still no go. Thinking it may be a short in the wiring connecting to the key switch, but not sure how to go about tracing it without having to tear it apart, and not sure I have the tools necessary to do that anyway...Ant advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
AnswerHi Aleshia,
Repairs are expensive anywhere you go. lol... Finding a shop that will work on a MC five or ten years old is a challenge nowadays.
I suspect the starter button contacts are corroded. Review the attached tech file that is pasted below.
I return tech information files by email. Always include your email addy with your question as requested and explained in my instructions for our convenience.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
Starter Button Problems and Repair
By Mark Shively
If the starter button contacts are corroded, burned, or otherwise defective, such conditions prevent electrical current from conducting across the starter button contacts. The result is often nothing happens when the starter button depressed. This is common and easily repaired in most cases. In some cases the switch (control assy.) must be replaced.
Inspection and Repair:
Separate and remove the control assy. halves by removing the two Phillips head screws on the bottom half. Your application may be different as vehicle brands and models vary. Investigate how the control assy. is fastened together and then do what is necessary to separate or remove the unit.
Remember how everything looks inside the control for ease of re-assembly later. Tip: It helps to take digital photos as you work for reassembly review.
The starter button assy. is usually held in place by one or more small Phillips head screws. Prior to removing these screws, inspect the copper contacts for evidence of corrosion and other defects. Removal may be necessary to view the contacts. If so, remove and then inspect contacts.
Some switches have tiny springs under the contacts.
Starter buttons have springs under the actual button. These springs are usually a bit larger than contact springs. Keep your eyes open and remove these parts slowly and carefully. It helps to sweep floors and clean working areas prior to starting. Springs can be hard to find on the garage floor.
In most cases, the contacts can be restored to like new condition by dressing the contact surfaces. Pencil erasers work well. A Q-Tip with metal polish works well, too. Use your imagination and products on hand.
If the contacts cannot be restored to highly conductive shiny surfaces, consider replacement. After dressing contacts, re-assemble the control assy. and try starting the engine.
The headlight is designed to go on when the ignition key is turned to the “On” position. It is also designed to turn off while the starter button is depressed. This allows maximum current to overcome cylinder compression and starting of the engine.
